Polemonium reptans 'Stairway to Heaven'

Polemonium reptans 'Stairway to Heaven' produces low mounds of green-and-white variegated foliage that provide a lively background for sprays of bell-shaped blue flowers that add color to sunny and part-sun gardens in spring and early summer. The creamy white leaf margins of this Jacob’s Ladder are often accented with pink in spring and when temperatures are cool. Plants prosper in evenly moist, woodsy soil and along the banks of streams. PP 15,187

The genus Polemonium includes at least 25 species. Members are native to temperate and arctic regions predominantly in the Northern Hemisphere and particularly to mountainous areas. Their common name, Jacob’s Ladder, recalls the Old Testament story of Jacob who dreamt about a ladder reaching to the heavens, a reference to the perennial’s pinnately compound leaves, which are ladderlike in the arrangement of their leaflets. Flowers are generally shades of blue (but can very occasionally be white, pink, or purple) and they bloom mostly in spring. The foliage remains handsome throughout summer. More upright forms of Jacob’s Ladder look lovely in perennial borders and woodland gardens, while the spreading varieties are ideal for adding to rock gardens and alpine collections.

For more information on growing and care, click Growing Guide.

HOW PLANTS ARE SHIPPED

The size of the plants we ship has been selected to reduce the shock of transplanting. For some, this means a large, bareroot crown. Others cannot travel bareroot or transplant best if grown in containers. We ship these perennials and annuals in 1 pint pots, except as noted. We must point out that many perennials will not bloom the first year after planting, but will the following year, amply rewarding your patience. We ship bulbs as dormant, bare bulbs, sometimes with some wood shavings or moss. Shrubs, Roses, vines, and other woody plants may be shipped bareroot or in pots. The size of the pot is noted in the quick facts for each item.

WHEN WE SHIP

We ship our bulbs and plants at the right time for planting in your area, except as noted, with orders dispatched on a first-come, first-served basis by climate zone. We also ship a wide range of containers and planters, tools, supplies, fertilizers, garden wear, garden decor items, as well as indoor decorations like wreaths and dried bouquets when available. Estimated dates for shipping are indicated in the green Shipping Details box for each item. Please supply a street address for delivery. Kindly contact us with two weeks notice, if you'll be away at the expected time of delivery.

OUR GUARANTEE

We guarantee to ship plants that are in prime condition for growing. If your order is damaged or fails to meet your expectations, we will cheerfully replace or refund it. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-503-9624 or email us at [email protected]. Please include your order number or customer number when contacting us.